SANTA CRUZ, Zambales: A sudden turn of events that appear to them like manna from heaven--the Supreme Court issuing a Writ of Kalikasan against five mining firms in the province, the incoming governor announcing his first executive order will be a moratorium on mining activities in Zambales and the appointment of a new Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary that is known for her staunch opposition to irresponsible mining--has put anti-mining advocates here on an upbeat mood.

“We fought against injustice in several arenas, we lost. The Supreme Court gave us hope. I hope they will not dampen, but give us eternal flame,” Concerned Citizens of Santa Cruz (CCOS) chairman Dr. Benito Molino told The Manila Times recently.